Books and Resources to Start Strong
Building a successful HR consulting business requires understanding both the technical side of human resources and the business fundamentals of running a consulting practice. These books provide the foundation you need to understand your industry, serve your clients effectively, and manage your business with confidence.
HR Answer Book by Shawn Smith and Rebecca Mazin
This practical reference covers the most common HR challenges that small and mid-sized businesses face—compensation, hiring, performance management, and legal compliance. You’ll use this book repeatedly when fielding client questions, and it positions you as someone who understands real-world problems, not just theory. It’s essential for building credibility with your first clients.
Shop HR Answer Book on Amazon →
Consulting Essentials by Corey Quinn
This book focuses specifically on building and running a consulting business rather than HR theory. You’ll learn how to price your services, land clients, manage project scope, and structure your business model. For someone starting from scratch, this directly addresses the business side that many HR professionals struggle with.
Shop Consulting Essentials on Amazon →
The HR Consultant’s Guide to Employment Laws by James Kossen
Employment law varies by state and changes frequently. This guide helps you understand compliance requirements and liability issues you need to monitor as your clients’ advisor. You cannot afford to give incorrect legal advice, so having a solid reference prevents costly mistakes and protects your reputation.
Shop HR Consultant’s Guide on Amazon →
Good to Great by Jim Collins
While not HR-specific, this book teaches you how to evaluate what makes a business genuinely successful versus merely adequate. You’ll apply these principles when advising clients on their organizational culture and strategy, and you’ll avoid the common trap of chasing every consulting trend without understanding what actually drives results.
Shop Good to Great on Amazon →
Equipment You Need
An HR consulting business requires far less physical equipment than manufacturing or retail, but you do need quality tools that support productivity, professionalism, and client communication. Most of your startup equipment involves technology and basic office setup.
Computer and Productivity Hardware
- Laptop (Windows or Mac): Your primary work device. Choose one with at least 16GB RAM and solid-state storage; you’ll use this for video calls, writing reports, and managing spreadsheets. Budget $800–$1,500 for a reliable machine that lasts 5+ years.
- External monitor: Working on a single laptop screen slows you down significantly. A 24–27-inch monitor makes spreadsheet work, document editing, and video calls more comfortable.
- Keyboard and mouse: Ergonomic hardware prevents wrist and back strain during long workdays. A wireless mechanical keyboard and precision mouse improve both comfort and productivity.
- Webcam: Most consulting happens via Zoom or Teams now. A dedicated webcam ($50–$100) looks far more professional than your laptop’s built-in camera.
- Headset: A quality headset with noise cancellation is essential for client calls. Clients notice poor audio quality, and background noise damages your credibility.
Shop keyboards and mice on Amazon →
Software and Subscriptions
- Microsoft Office 365 or Google Workspace: You need reliable document creation, spreadsheet management, and email. These are non-negotiable for client work.
- Zoom Pro or Teams: Client meetings and internal calls. Zoom’s scheduling and recording features are particularly useful for HR consulting.
- Project management software (Asana, Monday, or Notion): Track client engagements, deadlines, and deliverables. This prevents dropped tasks and keeps you organized as you take on more clients.
- HRIS or HR software trial/demo access: Many HR consulting engagements involve helping clients choose and implement HRIS systems (ADP, BambooHR, Paycor, etc.). Familiarity with these platforms increases your value significantly.
- Survey tool (Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or Typeform): You’ll use surveys for employee engagement assessments, compensation benchmarking, and culture assessments. Budget $20–$50 monthly.
Office Furniture and Environment
- Desk: A standing or adjustable desk works better than a fixed desk. You spend 6–8 hours daily at this workspace, and poor ergonomics cause injury.
- Office chair: Invest in a supportive chair ($200–$400). Back pain and poor posture reduce productivity and look unprofessional during video calls.
- Lighting: A desk lamp with warm, adjustable light reduces eye strain and improves how you look on video calls. Overhead fluorescent lighting is unflattering and exhausting.
- Filing system or storage: You’ll keep employee files, contracts, and work product samples. Basic filing cabinets or shelving prevents clutter and keeps confidential documents secure.
Shop standing desks on Amazon →
Shop office chairs on Amazon →
Phone and Communication
- Business phone line: A dedicated business number (through Google Voice, Grasshopper, or your phone carrier) separates your personal and professional communication. Clients expect a business phone, not your personal cell.
- Voicemail system: Set up a professional greeting. Poor voicemail reflects poorly on your business.
Financial and Legal Tools
- Accounting software (QuickBooks Online or Wave): You must track income, expenses, and taxes. Using accounting software from day one prevents chaos when tax time arrives.
- Invoice and contract templates: Professional templates show clients you run a legitimate business. These should include your terms, rates, and what’s included in each engagement.
- Time tracking software (Toggl or Harvest): If you bill hourly, you need to track your time accurately. Even if you bill by project, tracking reveals how long work actually takes.
What to Buy First vs Later
Start small and add equipment only when you have clients paying for it. Many new consultants waste money on equipment they never use.
- First (before taking clients): Laptop, reliable internet, basic office chair, desk, business phone number, Zoom, and accounting software. This setup costs $1,500–$2,500 and is enough to deliver quality consulting work.
- Within first 3–6 months: External monitor, better headset, project management software, and lighting. Add these as client work increases and you have revenue to support them.
- After 6–12 months: Standing desk, survey software subscriptions, and HRIS platform partnerships. These enhance your service offering but aren’t essential upfront.
- Later: Office space rental, additional team members’ equipment, and specialized HR software. You don’t need physical office space until you’re bringing in significant revenue or working with a team.
New vs Used Equipment
Buy new technology, used furniture. Your laptop, monitor, headset, and camera must be reliable—failures during client calls are professionally damaging. Technology also requires warranty support, which used items rarely offer. Budget for quality new hardware in these areas.
Office furniture, desks, and filing cabinets can be purchased used. Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local office furniture liquidators for quality pieces at 40–60% below retail. A used executive desk that cost $800 new might sell for $200. The only exception: chairs and desks you use daily should provide good ergonomic support, so test used furniture carefully before buying.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Fast shipping, easy returns, and consistent pricing for electronics, headsets, and office supplies.
- Best Buy: Return policy on laptops and monitors is excellent. You can test products in-store before buying.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Used office furniture at significant discounts. Always inspect items before purchasing.
- Local office supply stores (Staples, Office Depot): Immediate availability for paper, printer supplies, and small furniture items.
- Herman Miller or Steelcase authorized dealers: If you’re serious about ergonomic furniture, these manufacturers offer quality that lasts 10+ years. Higher upfront cost saves money long-term.
- Direct from software providers: Many HRIS and project management platforms offer startup discounts. Contact sales to ask about small business rates.
- Local computer repair shops: They often sell refurbished laptops and monitors with warranties, offering better value than big-box retailers for second computers.